visions of clarity...do as infinity

Friday, November 30, 2007

The Yellow Handkerchief of Happiness

Hello

This evening, Guo Lu, Rachel and I went to see the CJS [Center for Japanese Studies in Umich] screening of 幸福の黄色いハンカチ [Shiiawase no kiiroi hankachi or The Yellow Handkerchief of Happiness].=) The lead actress in the show, 桃井かおり [Momoi Kaori], is visiting Umich right now so this was one of the events they had planned.=) There was a Q&A session after the movie which was rather interesting.=)

A 1977 film, it really reflects the era, from the clothes to the kind of car they drove and the places they saw.=) It was in the 1970s I think, when Japan was in the midst of development and advancement.

The film is basically about a roadtrip started by this random guy [Kinya, played by 武田鉄矢, Takeda Tetsuya] from Kyushuu who goes to Hokkaido to see life anew. However, the movie skews a bit from him and we eventually find out the main plot of the story. At the port in Hokkaido, he meets a girl [Akemi, played by Momoi Kaori] and they start travelling together. At the same time, the camera focuses on this random dude [Yusaku, played by 高倉健, Takakura Ken] and you wonder why they keep zooming in on him? Eventually, our 3 friends randomly meet! And thus begins a mini road trip around Hokkaido with 3 strangers who discover more about each other along the way. The main plot develops with Mr Random, Yusaku who is actually an ex-convict who was just released from prison. We slowly delve into his past and his story which is probably what inspired the title. It's basically a story of a man who wonders whether he should return to his wife, whom he insisted on divorcing after entering the prison, who might POSSIBLY be waiting for him.=) And of course, there's the growing feelings between the other 2 characters.^_^

While not brilliantly shot [I thought some scenes were rather randomly amateurish.O__o], I think this has a nice story flow though it'd have been nice to see more development from Kinya and Akemi who are basically supporting actors in this whole endeavour to return Yusaku to his home in Yubari, Hokkaido.=) Also, seeing how undeveloped most of Hokkaido is makes me wonder if its the same now? It's not so much undeveloped as it is just covered with farmlands. Also, Yubari [where Yusaku is from] is a coal mining town and I wonder how many of those are left?

It was a very nice film to watch with occasional comedic scenes that had everyone laughing in unison.=) Although it has by no means any high ideals or great and memorable scenes, and there are definitely several flaws, it is an enjoyable movie that captures the feelings of the actors very well and showcases some good Japanese cinema. I highly recommend it!

Trivia: It won the first Japanese Academy Awards for Best movie, Best Director, Best Male Lead, Best Female Lead, Best Supporting Male, Best Supporting Female, etc.^_^ Not bad huh?

Japanese wiki: HERE! (link)

The Q&A session after the screening of the movie was rather illuminating.=) I really admire Momoi Kaori for the way she handled the crowd! She was funny or serious, depending on how she wanted the crowd to react but she seemed to have this presence and sincerity.^_^ Very nice. Plus, I totally couldn't tell she's in her 50s!!! O__o! I really want to see the film she directed tomorrow but I don't think I have the time.(T_T)

On a separate note, the stupid fire alarm rang just now.-___-" I twitch! And the worst thing is, there's a snow storm watch up on weather.com for Ann Arbor tomorrow. I love snow and all, but its not terribly fun to walk in the horrendously strong winds.xP

Oh! And I must declare renewed love for Tsubasa and xxxHOLiC.xD xD xD SO GOOD. I love CLAMP! *squeals*
cheers
*[-witchstone-]*

[music : teens Hamasaki Ayumi]
[mood : ^_^]
[food : something better than what I'm getting now]

Labels: Ann Arbor, east quad, manga, misc, movie review, The Yellow Handkerchief of Happiness, Tsubasa, xxxholic

Welcome

visions of clarity...do as infinity
by witchstone

My Emotible!
starry-eyed: filled with such youthful hope and optimism that one's eyes twinkle even when it's dark

Wish List

ie: motivation to save money!
- clothes
- shoes [heels! boots!]
- the perfect tote
- coats/outerwear! [Soïa & Kyo, Burberry...]
- Gackt - nine*nine
- Gackt Photobooks:
1 The Gift The Sixth Day & Seventh Night Tour Document (2004)
2 Crescent Photobook (out of print)
- Cookbooks!
1 Thomas Keller The French Laundry Cookbook
2 The Nobu Cookbook
3 Emily Luchetti A Passion for Desserts
4 Alice Medrich Pure Dessert
- Anime/Manga
1 Rurouni Kenshin
2 xxxHOLiC
3 Tsubasa -RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE-
- Proficiency at Japanese!
- Learn French for Food!

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spoonerisms*inc a food blog (by wendy & I)
my translation blog

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The Common Grill, Chelsea
The Black Pearl, Ann Arbor
Good Girls Go To Paris Crepes, Detroit
Bella Ciao, Ann Arbor
Craft, NYC
Momofuku, NYC
Alinea, Chicago
The French Laundry, California
Goto, Singapore

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